Scorers: Stirling Albion – McGeachie (52) and Shanley (58 and 90); Stranraer – Dunlop (42)
Three unanswered second half goals saw Stirling Albion keep alive their play-off push at Forthbank Stadium.
Stranraer looked well on top in the opening 45 minutes and took a well deserved lead into the break courtesy of Elliot Dunlop’s long-range effort.
However, defensive mistakes allowed Stirling to turn the game on its head and pick up a valuable win.
Chris Aitken, who played more than 150 times for the Binos, made six changes for the game with Sean Docherty, Mark Russell, Dean Hawkshaw, Max Guthrie, Finn Ecrepont and Ryan Edgar brought into the team in place of Robbie Foster, Tom Brindley, Aaron Quigg, Kirk McKnight, Matty Grant and Deryn Lang.
Stranraer started off on the front foot and Russell volleyed off target before Edgar could not force an Ecrepont cross on target.
The game was interrupted midway through the half by an injury to Hawkshaw, who was replaced by McKnight.
The change did little to halt the way the game was going and Guthrie – goalscorer last weekend against Spartans – came close again as he called Derek Gaston into action with a low effort.
The goalkeeper was becoming increasingly busy and he did well to react when Dunlop was presented with the ball.
Slack defending on the edge of the box saw Dunlop seize on a loose ball and Gaston had to push the shot round the post.
From the corner, Lewis Reid’s downward header looked destined for the net but Gaston managed to flick it onto the post with an outstretched leg.
Fortunately, Stranraer’s pressure would pay off before the break.
Dunlop collected the ball in his own half and strode forward before unleashing a low drive which had Gaston well beaten.
Unfortunately, Stranraer’s second half showing would not be as positive.
Goalkeeper Sam Kane misjudged a free-kick into the box and Ross McGeachie’s effort somehow found its way over the line despite Stranraer having men back.
The visitors responded well in forcing a number of corners but the game was turned on its head before the hour mark.
Reid chested the ball down in the box but stumbled and Ryan Shanley took full advantage before slamming the ball beyond Kane.
The second goal deflated Stranraer who huffed and puffed to try to get back into the contest.
It never materialised, with Craig Ross, Robertson and Russell all having efforts on goal.
Finally, the result was put beyond doubt in stoppage time when Kane took too long in attempting to clear the ball and played it straight to Ricky Waugh.
He passed it to his team-mate Shanley and he had the relatively straight forward task of slotting the ball into the net.
Disappointment for Stranraer on a day where they looked good enough to take at the very least a point on their travels.
Stirling Albion: Gaston, McGeachie, Constable, L Grant, McNab (Carrick 46), Carse (Kerr 59), Knox, Waugh, Crane, Graham, Shanley.
Not used: Cringean, Weir, Deveney, Howe, McKinstray, Wright and Smith.
Stranraer: Kane, S Robertson, Ross, Ecrepont, Reid, Docherty (Quigg 88), Dunlop, Russell, Hawkshaw (McKnight 21), Guthrie, Edgar (Lang 64).
Not used: Brindley, Grant and Lane.
Referee: Gary Hanvidge
Attendance: 667
HT: 0-1
Photos: Bill McCandlish
